I'm real torn. There was a lot of this book that was real interesting. But there were some things that were a real drag.
This tells the story of youngI'm real torn. There was a lot of this book that was real interesting. But there were some things that were a real drag.
This tells the story of young (real young) Pepper and how she grew up and became the (real different) person who she is, and what happened to Lovelace after the end of book 1.
At one point I was real confused because I couldn't remember what happened to Jenks at the end of the last book. Anyway ...
The story was real good, the storytelling was real entertaining, but if you haven't caught on yet, some of the writing was "real" irritating (though deliberate.) Also, there was a bit which was so (real) disturbing to me that I fast-forwarded through most mentions of it. Unfortunately, I'd heard enough for it to stick. There was no (real) reason for it, and frankly I think it was just there for shock value.
Chambers has created a truly unique world with fun characters, but some restraint and editing would have been appropriate. Still fun though. Real fun. ...more
If I were to describe my perfect book, it would be a book like this. Stellar clever writing, darkness, an interesting topic, a non-linear timeline andIf I were to describe my perfect book, it would be a book like this. Stellar clever writing, darkness, an interesting topic, a non-linear timeline and a story which keeps me engaged the whole way through. It was a 5-star read for me, I absolutely loved it. As I go to rate it, I want to give it full scores across the board – but I can’t and that irks me. Just because I loved it, doesn’t mean it was perfect.
There was an aspect of this book which could have been emotional, and the author chose matter-of-factness instead. It suited the story and I feel like it was done in such a way as not be callous. I admired it, as I admire many things about this book.
For me it was easy to see how our lonely protagonist latched on to the people she latched on to, and how she became the person she did. And yes, it’s been done before – but (overcoming and) becoming who we are is life. So perhaps not totally original it was an original enough take on it for me. I kept wondering where this author got her ideas and inspiration. I was awed....more
This book was good entertainment. Audio was well-done, story was fun, characters were unique. Some seemed more like caricatures instead of characters, This book was good entertainment. Audio was well-done, story was fun, characters were unique. Some seemed more like caricatures instead of characters, and that bugged me a bit (Kizzy?)
I’m in the mostly bored camp. This book is an almanac with people and a missing girl – “The clocks went back and the nights overtook the short days.” (I love that sentence for some reason.) The writing is good, but I’m in no way blown away by it like I was with History of Wolves. I found the writing subtle but interesting and clever. (“The keeper wasn’t a man for whistling while he worked, but his mood was good.”) Probably Neil Gaiman fans would like this writing.
There was virtually no plot, and because there was nothing going on it was hard for me to get into most of the characters and there were a lot of them. Time went by and they grew up, older, experienced things, but in 300 pages that many people can’t develop.
I did enjoy the missing girl parts, the way the book progressed was written in a really interesting way, from that angle I can see how it made the longlist. 3 stars for me, sparks of brilliance overshadowed by a general lack of interest in the day to day life of the town....more
Set in the same world as The Girl with All the Gifts this is definitely not a sequel. The characters are different. I can't tell if it's after "Girl" Set in the same world as The Girl with All the Gifts this is definitely not a sequel. The characters are different. I can't tell if it's after "Girl" or happening at around the same time.
In the first book we learned a lot about this world, so this book wasn't as interesting. I liked the kids in "Girl" and they didn't really have the same focus in this book.
The narrator is fantastic, and I really liked the end, so that saved it a little bit. Otherwise, I was a little disappointed. ...more
This is The Walking Dead meets that movie that was out recently, which I didn't see but I did see the previews and it seems like if you made a noise yThis is The Walking Dead meets that movie that was out recently, which I didn't see but I did see the previews and it seems like if you made a noise you ended up dead. Like that.
This book was an enthralling surprise. I don't read a lot of books in this sub-genre (which I won't mention, because I think it's more fun to find it This book was an enthralling surprise. I don't read a lot of books in this sub-genre (which I won't mention, because I think it's more fun to find it out as the book goes), but I found this to be a really good take on it. It was well-written, humorous at times, and entertaining!
It's harsh and dark for sure. Made for a great road trip audio for me (my mom struggled a bit!)
Looked up the author to see if they were male or female and found out Male, and he also writes under the name Mike Carey. We started his book The Devil You Know and also found it really good and entertaining. Looking forward to more from both Careys. ...more
This is a book that answers the question: If you knew the date of your death, how would you live your life?
In disbelief? To the fullest? In fear? TryiThis is a book that answers the question: If you knew the date of your death, how would you live your life?
In disbelief? To the fullest? In fear? Trying to change the outcome?
Four siblings visit a neighborhood psychic and learn the dates of their deaths. This information shapes the rest of their lives in different ways. We follow each of the siblings on their various paths.
I liked the book a lot. It's probably a 4.5 star for me. Some of the characters and scenarios were more developed than others, but all were good. The family is Jewish and that always adds extra enjoyment for me. It was fast paced and engaging and interesting to see the various outcomes. Definitely would make for some good discussion. ...more
People are often not who they seem and mob mentality dogpiles on to ostracize them - meet Jasper Jones.
Small town Australia is baffled by the disappePeople are often not who they seem and mob mentality dogpiles on to ostracize them - meet Jasper Jones.
Small town Australia is baffled by the disappearance of a teenage girl. Jasper knows where she is and enlists schoolmate Charlie to help him attend to the situation. They learn a lot about each other, friendship, society and loyalty along the way.
I liked this book. It kept me really engaged, and though I found it predictable it was enjoyable. Definitely geared at a younger audience with a strong message that all is not always as it seems. ...more
For the longest time I kept seeing this on my shelf and wondering how it got there. When I finally started reading it I realized it must have been a rFor the longest time I kept seeing this on my shelf and wondering how it got there. When I finally started reading it I realized it must have been a recommendation I asked for before I went to Poland. So thanks for the recommendation whoever ... (I'm getting better at noting the source when I put things on my shelves now.)
It's WWII and Anna's father has been taken and I don't recall any mention of a mother. Enter the Swallow Man who is of no relation but takes her under his "wing". The rest is the story of their hiding in the woods of Poland, Germany and parts of the former USSR, the people they meet along the way and their various means of survival.
It was nicely written, tender and obviously a bit sad. An interesting take on friendship, and WWII. ...more
Despite the fact that I'm completely lukewarm on Gaiman, I keep trying his books. He IS a great narrator on audio.
This is a book about a kid (toddlerDespite the fact that I'm completely lukewarm on Gaiman, I keep trying his books. He IS a great narrator on audio.
This is a book about a kid (toddler) who escapes death only to live his life in a graveyard. Reminded me a lot of Lincoln in the Bardo - not just because of the graveyard, but the multiple ghost characters, and aspects in the graveyard out to get the kid. Beyond that, though, Bardo obviously was a much better book.
I really just need to be done with Gaiman. ...more
This seemed like it was going to be a book like any other and at first I didn’t think I was going to like it, in fact I thought about abandoning it. But there was something about it that drew me in and it didn’t take long before I was completely in love. Poor hapless Roscoe reminded me a lot of Stoner; this totally lovable person who bumbled his way into a circumstance he didn’t seem destined for.
It’s not particularly original, and had I not loved the book so much I would have scored that lower. It was a beautiful book, and unlike Jen I thought the ending fitting. It’s 5 stars and a 2016 favorite for me....more
What was it like to be a member of the Manson family? This book takes on that topic.
It tells the story of Evie, a lonely girl, coming of age at a craWhat was it like to be a member of the Manson family? This book takes on that topic.
It tells the story of Evie, a lonely girl, coming of age at a crazy time in the world. She's sort of on the fringe socially, and when her path crosses with Suzanne's, she's easy prey. She basically moves to the "ranch" and becomes a part of the cult of Russell.
The book definitely explores what it could have been like to be part of that group. To be seduced by the sense of belonging. The friendships, the lifestyle. But there was something missing. I don't know if it was the characters or a timidity in the story, but I wasn't connected.
It did inspire me to pick up Helter Skelter: The True Story of the Manson Murders which I have been wanting to re-read for years. I'm listening to that on audio and INSTANTLY I was in it. Involved. Freaked out. Remembering that time. Whatever that is, is what was missing from this book.
I love reading about this time frame, and I think perhaps that may have been part of the issue as well. It felt like this book could have been any time.
It was good but I won't be raving about it. ...more
This was such a good book. Southern Fiction complete with a runaway, secrets and an unwed mother or 25. It reminded me of a Joshilyn Jackson book and This was such a good book. Southern Fiction complete with a runaway, secrets and an unwed mother or 25. It reminded me of a Joshilyn Jackson book and she's one of my favorites.
Totally enjoyed it. Perfect audio for a day for gardening. I just wish I had remembered to put on sunscreen. ...more
I read the first book in this series last year, and found it confusing but quite good. This was also confusing, but quite good. In an unknown place inI read the first book in this series last year, and found it confusing but quite good. This was also confusing, but quite good. In an unknown place in an unknown time, the precocious brat David becomes even more precocious and bratty, and somewhere in all that is a message. It might be about Christianity, who knows.
I don't know if I really like these books, or just love Coetzee's writing. I thought this might make a favorite this year but it got a little draggy and I didn't AT ALL understand when David goes to school and starts dancing the numbers. Not only that but most the characters aren't even likable. LOL.
I think I'm more confused that ever ... but I liked it.
This book started very slow for me and the writing quite choppy. It didn't feel like Murkami. I checked the translator and found it was one who I am nThis book started very slow for me and the writing quite choppy. It didn't feel like Murkami. I checked the translator and found it was one who I am not familiar with. It was disappointing, to say the least but just goes to show how important the translator is. I wish Murakami would do his own English translation. I would love to read his writing as written by him. Can't be helped, I guess. Hey -- Haruk --- can I call you Haruk? Would you mind translating your own book? kthanksbye.
There came a point where the book turned and I got fascinated and was hooked through to the end. I really don't want to give anything away, so it's hard to say what I'm going to say but those who read it will probably know what I'm referring to. One of the most interesting aspects in the book was never resolved for me and once I finished the book it left me wondering why it had been there at all. Really frustrating.
It was a quick read once it got going, and had a mysterious element. There was also a lot of philosophical BS which didn't do anything for me.
Solid read, not my favorite Murakami by a mile, and I'm ultimately left a bit baffled. ...more
This novel takes some historical context and creates a pretty average story with characters that I couldn't 100% get behind. In fact, they all had somThis novel takes some historical context and creates a pretty average story with characters that I couldn't 100% get behind. In fact, they all had some major issue which made them somewhat unlikable.
I'm fascinated by the Galapagos. I thought The Origin by Irving Stone an enthralling book. Sadly, this book spent less than 100 pages on the islands, and there was still very little about the islands themselves. An occasional mention of a bird or tortoise. Beyond that, they could have been on any island, so I feel like the title and the premise of the book was misleading. A better title of this book would have been "The Story of Two Friendships in a Time of War." Because that's really what it was.
It wasn't bad, and it moved quickly, but I honestly didn't care if I finished it. I wasn't invested in anyway. ...more
This is the book my mom and I wish we had listened to on our long drive. It's sort of 12 Monkeys meets Divergent. It was a both aAll Our Yesterdays 4/5
This is the book my mom and I wish we had listened to on our long drive. It's sort of 12 Monkeys meets Divergent. It was a both a clever take on time travel and a new way of telling the young adult post-apocalyptic tale. I was completely entertained.
Audio was mostly good, there was only one super annoying voice (like so bad ... Um, please listen to your British accent, it's AWFUL) but thankfully that character was minor.
This book sort of reminded me of Jane Eyre without the melodrama. It takes place in a small village in Russia, and I guess it's modern times but the pThis book sort of reminded me of Jane Eyre without the melodrama. It takes place in a small village in Russia, and I guess it's modern times but the people there have chosen a more old-fashioned lifestyle.
I couldn't relate to it, I guess. I found it overly sentimental and a bit high brow. I liked it well enough but wasn't blown away. ...more
I love letters. Every time I read an Epistolary story I always think it is so sad that letter writing is a thing of the past.
This was a funny, sweet I love letters. Every time I read an Epistolary story I always think it is so sad that letter writing is a thing of the past.
This was a funny, sweet story of a friendship which builds between people who have never met. Though short (super short) it manages to bring you right to the time and place, and you quickly get involved in these lives. I was surprised at how emotional I got in such a short time.
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